BHPian DCEite recently shared this with other enthusiasts: For driving enthusiasts on a budget – there’s a visible gap currently in the Indian car market. The days of the Polo GT TSI or even the old Swift Diesel are long gone, and no hatchback today under 10 lakhs truly delivers excitement behind the wheel. Which brings me to the point of this thread: Isn’t it the perfect time for Maruti Suzuki to finally bring the Swift Sport (or at least a proper Swift Turbo) to India? The Segment Void is Obvious Let’s look at what’s missing today: Hyundai i20 Turbo (Manual) – Discontinued (i20 N-Line MT costs more than Rs 10 Lakh) Polo GT TSI – Discontinued Baleno RS – Discontinued Altroz Racer – Discontinued Skoda Kylaq – Quick, yes, but not as chuckable or light on its feet; lack the playful hatchback feel Citroen C3 Turbo – Quick, but lacs the handling part. But the bigger problem is the Citroen brand’s perception in India. We’re at a point where there’s not a single sub-10L hatch that’s fun to drive. Enthusiasts are forced to either go pre-owned or upgrade to the C/D segment performance oriented sedans like the 1.5 TSI. This is a massive opportunity for Maruti to step up.The Swift Turbo/Sport- Ready and Waiting1. Global Precedent: Globally, Suzuki already sells the Swift Sport (3rd Gen) with the 1.4L Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine, producing 140 PS and 230 Nm, paired with a 6-speed manual. It’s a proper warm hatch, praised for its punchy mid-range, tight handling, and everyday usability. 2. Engine Options Exist in India: Even if Maruti doesn’t want to bring the 1.4 Boosterjet to India due to cost/tax constraints, they already have the 1.0L Boosterjet (100 PS / 148 Nm) from the Fronx sitting in the parts bin. Slap it into the Swift, pair it with the 6-speed manual (again, already in use), and you have a potential Swift Turbo – light, agile, efficient, and fun. 3. A Platform That Can Handle It: The new-gen Swift is underpinned by an evolved HEARTECT platform – the same base that handles the 1.4 Boosterjet internationally. There’s no reason it can’t handle the 1.0 Boosterjet for India. 4. Better Built & Safer Than Ever: The Dzire (built on the same platform) has scored 5 stars in Global NCAP, which should also reflect on the new Swift. This makes the current generation Swift the most solidly built Swift sold in India till date – a far cry from the feather-light earlier models. 5. Dynamics Still Shine: Compared to heavier 1.0 TSI crossovers (like Kushaq), the Swift remains a ighter, more nimble package. It still offers tight steering, low kerb weight, and agile handling that enthusiasts crave. 6. Maruti’s Real-World Advantage: – Massive service network – Low spare part costs – Excellent reliability & resale value[ A fun-to-drive car with peace-of-mind ownership? That’s a dream package for budget enthusiasts.What Maruti Can Do:- Launch a Swift Turbo with the 1.0 Boosterjet + 6MT – Sporty cosmetic package (wheels, body kit, dual exhausts, red stitching, etc.) – Sharper suspension & steering calibration – Price it around 9.5-10L ex-showroom Even without the 1.4 Boosterjet, this would create an enthusiast-focused hatchback that we sorely need today.Addressing the Skepticism:- “Fronx Turbo doesn’t sell” – True, but Fronx never promised fun. The Swift nameplate does, and already has mass appeal. – “Market prefers SUVs” – Hatchbacks still dominate cities, specially with more households going the multi car ownership way and want to keep a hatchback for city runs, and a sporty Swift would draw urban buyers who want excitement in a compact form. – “Turbo engines aren’t fuel-efficient” – The 1.0 Boosterjet returns decent mileage if driven sensibly, while offering performance on tap. Maruti has a golden chance to revive the budget enthusiast’s car. Let’s not forget – the original Swift changed the game in 2005. Can history repeat itself with a proper Swift Sport? Fellow BHPians – would you consider a Swift Turbo/Sport if launched today? Is Maruti missing a big opportunity here?Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
